What is 4/5 - 8/11?

Here's how to subtract 8/11 from 4/5:

4

5

−

8

11

Step 1

We can't subtract two fractions with different denominators. So you need to get a common denominator. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 4 by 11, and get 44.

Then we multiply 8 by 5, and get 40.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 5 × 11 = 55.

So now our fractions look like this:

44

55

−

40

55

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

44 − 40 = 4

So the answer is:

4

55

Step 3

Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?